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India will look to seal the three-match T20I series when they take on Afghanistan in the second game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 15. The Men in Blue made a commanding start to the series, defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets in the opening encounter and taking a 1-0 lead.
India chased down Afghanistan’s 156/8 in just 13.4 overs, with Abhishek Sharma producing a sensational 82 off 32 balls and Ishan Kishan contributing 42 off 33. Jasprit Bumrah also made an immediate impact on his return, while Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets.
Despite the comprehensive victory, the Indian team management could make one or two changes for the second T20I. The biggest selection question revolves around teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was left out of the opening game despite being part of the 15-member squad.
Here is India’s predicted playing XI for the second T20I against Afghanistan:
Abhishek Sharma should retain his place at the top of the order after producing one of the most destructive T20I knocks of his career in the first match. The left-hander smashed 82 from just 32 balls, striking seven fours and seven sixes.
His ability to put the opposition under pressure during the Powerplay makes him an automatic selection for the second game.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could finally get his opportunity in the series. The 15-year-old was surprisingly left out of the first T20I, with Sanju Samson opening alongside Abhishek.
With Samson managing only 10 runs, the team management could be tempted to give Sooryavanshi an opportunity at the top. The youngster’s fearless approach would also provide India with another left-handed attacking option.
Ishan Kishan is likely to continue in the XI after his impressive 42 in the opening match. He played the ideal supporting role to Abhishek during the chase and helped India take control of the contest.
His ability to bat aggressively while also providing wicketkeeping cover makes him an important member of this squad.
Captain Shreyas Iyer should continue at No. 4. He remained unbeaten on eight in the first T20I and guided India over the finishing line alongside Tilak Varma.
Although he did not get much time at the crease, Iyer’s leadership and ability to anchor the middle order make him a key player.
Tilak Varma should retain his position in the middle order. The left-hander finished the first game unbeaten on three and could be given a greater opportunity if Afghanistan’s spinners make early inroads.
His ability to rotate the strike and attack spin makes him particularly valuable against a side led by Rashid Khan.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to keep his place as India’s seam-bowling all-rounder. He did not have much of an opportunity with either bat or ball in the opening match because India completed the chase comfortably.
However, his ability to contribute in both departments gives India considerable balance.
Shivam Dube should retain his place as another powerful all-round option. The left-hander can provide a sixth bowling option while offering considerable power against spin in the middle and death overs.
With Afghanistan possessing several quality spinners, Dube’s ability to clear the boundary could become important.
Axar Patel is likely to continue as India’s frontline left-arm spinner. He picked up one wicket in the first T20I and played an important role in keeping Afghanistan’s batting under pressure.
His batting ability also gives India depth lower down the order.
Jasprit Bumrah should retain his place after making an impressive comeback to international cricket. He dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz in his first over and immediately demonstrated why he remains India’s premier fast bowler.
His presence will be crucial as India look to close out the series.
Arshdeep Singh is another certain starter after claiming three wickets for 19 runs in the opening game. He was particularly effective during the latter stages of Afghanistan’s innings and will remain India’s main left-arm pace option.
Varun Chakaravarthy should complete the XI. The mystery spinner picked up a wicket in the first T20I and will be an important weapon against Afghanistan’s middle order.
India could consider Washington Sundar or Ravi Bishnoi, but after a seven-wicket victory, retaining Varun would be the safer option.
Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
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